The Syracuse Football team just took out the No. 2 seed Clemson Tigers. Inside The Loud House breaks down one of the biggest wins in program history.
Syracuse Football did the impossible Friday night. For the second time in the history of Syracuse Football, they have taken down a team ranked in the top-two of the AP Top-25 according to CBSSports.com. People doubted Dino Babers after a four-win campaign in 2016. Now, after seven games, Babers’ squad has won four, including without a doubt, the biggest game in school history.
Syracuse Football’s improbable win on Friday night was a result of incredible quarterback play by Eric Dungey. On Syracuse’s opening drive, Dungey threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Dontae Strickland, which put the Orange up early, 7-0, according to ESPN.com.
Clemson responded on the following drive when running back Tavien Feaster rushed for a 37-yard run, tying things up at seven. Later in the quarter, thanks to a miscommunication in Clemson’s secondary, Dungey hit Ervin Phillips down the middle for a 66-yard touchdown, reclaiming Syracuse’ lead.
Halfway through the second quarter, Strickland fumbled, and Tanner Muse of Clemson returned it 63 yards for the touchdown, tying things at 14. Late in the quarter, Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy nailed a 21-yard field goal, giving the Orange a 17-14 lead.
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Just before halftime, Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant was knocked out of the game after falling victim to a brutal tackle from Syracuse’s Chris Slayton. Going into this one, Bryant wasn’t 100% healthy, and after the hit was unconscious for a couple of minutes before being ruled out for the rest of the game. Backup quarterback Zerrick Cooper took over in the second half.
Halfway into the third quarter, Clemson kicker Alex Spence nailed a 30-yard field goal, tying things up at 17. On the ensuing drive though, Steve Ishmael responded with a 30-yard touchdown catch from Eric Dungey that put Syracuse up 24-17.
Clemson quickly responded when running back Travis Etienne rushed for a 52-yard-touchdown less than a minute later. In the fourth quarter, Cole Murphy hit a 30-yard field goal, which would end up being the final score of the game.
Syracuse’ passing, running, and receiving game was at its best Friday night. Dungey completed 20/32 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Strickland rushed for 78 yards on 19 carries. Phillips caught four passes for 94 yards and a score.
Syracuse’s defense was nothing short of phenomenal for all four quarters. Syracuse allowed just 17 first downs (offense had 28) and allowed Clemson to convert just 2 of 11 on third down.
When the two head coaches met at midfield, Dabo Swinney expressed his respect for Babers’ ability to turn Syracuse’ program around when saying “I’m so happy for you”.
SYRACUSE 🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊#stormthefield You could read Dabo Swinney's mouth to Dino Babers. "I'm so happy for you," he said. pic.twitter.com/ay43WsZdxq
— David Baumann (@DavidBaumannORL) October 14, 2017
Following the win, Syracuse’ students and fans swarmed the field, and crowded quarterback Eric Dungey, running back Dontae Strickland, and Dino Babers, who repeatedly chanted “This is the Loud House”. Babers is already fulfilling the promise he made to Syracuse’ faithful when he arrived last summer.